Helen Marie (Hendry) Wiens

Female 1918 - 2008  (89 years)


 

Wiens, Helen

The Newton Kansan

Helen Wiens

PRAIRIE VILLAGE - Helen Marie (Hendry) Wiens, 89, died Jan. 5, 2008, at her home in Prairie Village, where she had resided the past five years.

She was born Dec. 31, 1918, in Newton, the only child of Flora (Young) and Vance Hendry.

She married Richard Wiens on March 22, 1944, in Newton. Following his service in World War II, they lived in Newton, Birmingham, Mich., Kansas City and Kirkwood, Mo., before retiring to the Kansas City area. He preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 2002.

Helen was a 1937 graduate of Newton High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in music education in 1941 from Kansas State Teachers College, where she was a member of the Delta Sigma Epsilon sorority. She held a master's degree in education from Webster University.

She taught vocal music for more than 20 years in elementary schools in the St. Louis area, including those in Wentzville, Mo., St. Charles, Mo., and Parkway, Mo. She retired in 1987 from the Parkway School District after serving many years as the vocal music teacher at Claymont Elementary School.

An accomplished soprano and pianist, she sang with numerous church choirs over the years, including professionally with her husband at Christ Church Cranbrook while living in Michigan. She had often been a soloist at worship services and weddings. In retirement, she enjoyed singing for nursing homes in the Kansas City area as a member of the Choraliers.

She was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity for more than 60 years and loved participating in Kansas City SAI activities, especially the Choraliers. She enjoyed painting with her friends in the Keramic Club art group and swimming at the Red Bridge YMCA. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church and its JoAnna Guild. In later years, she sang with the choir at Cherokee Christian Church in Prairie Village.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara (Frank) Titterington of Prairie Village, and Julie (John) Wolpers of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; and six grandchildren, Mary Anne (J.D.) Fair of Fairway, Martha Titterington of Kansas City, Jane Titterington of New Orleans, David Titterington of Niihama, Japan, John Wolpers of Columbia, Mo., and Annie Wolpers of Cape Girardeau.

The family is grateful for the care she received from her nurse, Stephanie Jones, and the staff at St. Luke's Hospice.

Following a private memorial service, burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

The family suggests memorials to Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak, Kansas City, MO 64112

Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kccremation.com.


Owner of originalHarvey County Genealogical Society
Date15 Jan 2008
Linked toHelen Marie (Hendry) Wiens




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